As the West Asia conflict has disrupted key oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rolled out a series of measures to safeguard India's domestic cooking gas supply.
From increasing the price of non-subsidised LPG cylinder by Rs 60 and extending the booking period from 21 to 25 days to prevent hoarding to invoking the Essential Commodities Act to guarantee an uninterrupted supply, the government has prioritised household kitchens over industrial and commercial interests.
Here is what we know so far on the steps taken in view of the shortage:
Price hike
In response to a sharp rise in global energy prices, the government announced a significant hike in LPG price on March 7, 2026 to help oil marketing companies (OMCs) offset rising costs.
The price of a 14.2-kg non-subsidised domestic cylinder was increased by Rs 60, bringing the rate to Rs 913 in Delhi and Rs 915.5 in Bengaluru.
The price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was increased by Rs 114.5, bringing the rate to Rs 1,883 in Delhi and Rs 1,959 in Bengaluru. Hoteliers in Bengaluru have noted that the "effective" increase is even higher - up to Rs 265 - after gas companies withdrew a long-standing Rs 150 discount on commercial cylinders.
25-day booking rule
To prevent panic buying and black marketing, the Ministry has tweaked the booking rules: the lock-in period between two LPG refills has been increased from 21 days to 25 days.
Prioritising domestic LPG
Refineries - Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) - have been directed to increase LPG production and give "priority to domestic LPG over commercial connections".
A committee of three executive directors (EDs) of OMCs has been constituted to review the representations for LPG supply to restaurants/hotels/other industries and ensure smooth supply.
Non-domestic supplies from imported LPG is being prioritised to essential non-domestic sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
On Tuesday, the Union government invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This allows the Ministry to regulate the availability and "equitable distribution" of petroleum products and natural gas.
Refineries have been ordered to prioritise the production of LPG from propane and butane streams, ensuring these materials are not diverted for petrochemical uses like polypropylene.
They have been asked to supply all newly produced LPG exclusively to state-owned OMCs for domestic use.